APRIL 2005 ARCHIVE

25th - 30th April '05

CLONE TROOPER ON TARGET FOR AUSTRALIA

NEWS FLASH...The Target USA Exclusive Clone Trooper will be making a special trip down under, so hold onto your money as there will be "more than sufficient stock" of this item for Aussie Collectors. Based on the EP2 Super Articulated Clone, but with a new Helmet and Red insignia, this item will be Exclusive to Target Stores in July.

30th April  2005, MSE-6

WEAR THE FORCE ON YOUR SLEEVE

Star Walking Force IV Convention Exclusive Polo Shirts from Trisports are now available to be ordered online. The classic black polo features Vader on the front with a gold FORCE IV Logo on the back. Head over to the SWI website for more details on FORCE IV and midnight screenings. But be quick as Polo shirt orders close 5pm Friday 6th May.

30th April  2005, WA-7

THE CUTTING ROOM FLOOR (April Edition)

Grow Star Wars in your garden this spring?!? See how popular some of the past Lucasarts games have ranked in Oz. Will EP3 break the Box Office Record of Ep2's opening weekend? And how many degrees of Separation does Jay Laga'ala? All this in new print from Brant Ravens Cutting Room Floor. Head to our Feature Section for more.

29th April  2005, Brant Raven

THANK THE MAKER

"Thank you, George" is a grassroots movement started by Star Wars fans who have loved the movies and want to thank the maker, George Lucas, for sharing his saga with them for 28 years. Volunteers are trying to get a million signatures on a letter of appreciation that will be presented to George Lucas later this year.

They are also sharing their stories about what Star Wars has meant to them - and wearing "Thank you, George" t-shirts as public expressions of support and appreciation. Surf over to ThankyouGeorge.com, sign the letter and buy a shirt.

28th April  2005, Darth Brennan

FINAL FOUR PART EPISODE III COMIC

Based on the screenplay by George Lucas-the official comics adaptation of the most anticipated of the Star Wars films! The action of the Clone Wars comes to a dramatic conclusion, and events are put in place for A New Hope. The final weekly issue features art by Doug Wheatley with covers by Dave Dorman is out now!! Star Wars: Episode III Issue #4

28th April  2005, WA-7

STAR WARS TV SHOWS

Lucas has revealed plans for  Star Wars to move to the TV to keep the Star Wars flame alive after the final bridging chapter is released on 19 May as Two TV series are in planning. The first being a half-hour CGI animated show and the second a live-action format. Both shows will be set between Ep3 and Ep4. More information on the News.com.au site.

Let us know what story lines, subplots and characters you would like to see in either of these two TV Series by Adding Your Voice to our Forums Area.

27th April  2005, WA-7

THE BIG NEWS ON STAR WARS MICRO

Arriving direct off an outer rim cargo freighter are the new Episode III style Star Wars Micro Vehicles Series #1! Each multi-pack comes with two authentically detailed vehicles &  two related figures with the packaging depicting the play sets in the clutches of Lord Vader. These sets are EXCLUSIVE to BIG W in Australia and should be in store this coming week.

The assortment contains; Tatooine Desert Set with Sandcrawler, Landspeeder, Sandtrooper, and Luke Skywalker. Return of the Jedi – Space Assault Set with TIE fighter, A-wing, TIE fighter pilot, and A-wing pilot. Return of the Jedi – Death Star Attack Set with Millennium Falcon, B-wing, Han Solo, and Chewbacca. Check back soon for release details on the next Series of the Titanium Micro Vehicles.

25th April  2005, MSE-6

ANZAC CELEBRATION III REPORT

Today marks the the 90th Anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli, Anzac Day. This day encapsulates the spirit  and perseverance of Australia & New Zealand troops. For our foreign readers you can learn more about the Anzacs by visiting the Australian War Memorial Site. Also see what our Kiwi friends at SWNZ have been up to at Celebration 3.

25th April  2005, MSE-6

18th - 24th April '05

BUILDING BLOCKS OF THE FORCE

Not due for release until Thursday, but able to be found in stores over this weekend is the new Lego Star Wars Video Game from Eidos. Battle your ways thru all 3 Saga Movies as your favourite Lego Character. Over 30 Characters, Saber and Force Powers, two player action, and Free Play mode will keep you entertained for hours.

The strong combination of Star Wars and Lego just got a power-up. Order your copy on either  PS2, Xbox or PC today from The Gamesmen online store.

24th April  2005, WA-7

BLINK AND YOU WILL MISS THEM

Looking to grab the next 4 figures in the Revenge of the Sith movie line, best be quick as they have already been released and are now getting very hard to find. Wave 2 of Collection 2 includes; (37) Vader Medical Droid, (38) AT-TE Gunner, (39) Polis Massan, & (40) Masamedda, some of which will sell out very quickly. SO it pays to PRE-ORDER your collection.

Yet another product to sneak out this week was the second wave of the Revenge of the Sith Galactic Heroes. Those readers 3-8 (or those young at heart) can collect; Mac Windu & Kit Fisto, Super Battle Droid vs R2-D2, and Chewbacca & Clone Trooper. In the new lava packaging this items are HOT and hence too good to stay in their packaging forever.

23rd April  2005, MSE-6

GENERAL GRIEVOUS vs THE PADAWANS

General Grievous and his forces invade the planet Gentes and take it's population and their production facilities as trophies of war. As well, General holds hostage a group of Padawan children captured during a raid on a Republic fleet. And what Grievous has planned for the Padawans is a fate far worse than death...  Star Wars General Grievous #2

Based on the screenplay by George Lucas-the official comics adaptation of the most anticipated of the Star Wars films! The action of the Clone Wars comes to a dramatic conclusion, and events are put in place for A New Hope. Shipping weekly, this four-issue series features art by Doug Wheatley with covers by Dave Dorman!! Star Wars: Episode III Issue #3

22nd April  2005, MSE-6

SWNZ @ C3

Over the next 5 days, SWNZ will be bringing you Celebration 3 dairy reports and photos. After the conclusion of the mega-convention, they will run feature articles on such things as the R2-Builders room, the LucasFilm Archive Exhibition, C3 autographs, and other exciting topics. Check back on the SWNZ website daily for a Kiwi's view of this great event.

And don't' miss their coverage of  Armageddon, the largest pop culture conventions in New Zealand. This years Star Wars guests were Ray Park and New Zealand-born Daniel Logan. Check out the reports for photos and details of the convention...and a few related Imperial antics.

21st April  2005, MSE-6

EPISODE III CHARITY EVENT - VICTORIA

A Charity film screening of the Episode III has been organized at Dendy Palace Brighton Cinemas to help raise much funds for the Victorian based charity 'Kids Under Cover'. Held on the opening night, with all proceeds going to Kids Under Cover. Raffle prizes include hampers, movie passes, jewellery and other goodies. Bookings essential!

Ticket application forms available from Palace George, Dendy Brighton and Brighton Bay cinemas, selected local video retailers or email kucproject@yahoo.com.au or ring 042 426 2002. Cost: $20.00 (includes a complimentary beer, wine or soft drink) Tickets available until Thursday 12th May or until sold out. So see Episode III and help homeless youth.

17th April  2005, Darth Hunger

MELBOURNE SKYFORCE UNITE

Star Walking is hosting it's Melbourne Skyforce meeting this Saturday. You can put in your order to purchase tickets to see Episode 3. Tickets will be distributed out at a later date.  Or purchase tickets to Force IV Convention Force IV Membership's can be purchased on the day.  OR just become one with the biggest and best Sci-Fi group in Oz .

Date:                    Saturday April 23rd, 2005
Time:                    1pm to 5pm
Location:             'The Mervyn Himbury Theological Studies Centre, 
                              50 The Avenue, Parkville (Melway Ref: 43 F1 )
Entrance Fees:   $5.00 Members, $7.00 Non-members (under 12yrs free)

If you are not part of Star Walking, why not join the club in this huge movie year.

20th April  2005, WA-7

ATTACK OF THE SITH WIZARDS

Released today, and hot into our hands, is the latest theme pack for Star Wars Miniature Game, Revenge of the Sith. Wizards of the Coast have upped the quality on the packaging and the play map. At twice the size of the last two starter sets, the latest theme pack is huge and features a new look board game quality hard cardboard playing map.

Also included are 6 miniatures, with Obi-wan (Jedi Master) and General Grievous (Supreme Commander) only available as part of the starter set. Add a D20, Quick Start rules, advance rulebook plus full color game stat cards and you are all set to create your own version of Episode III on your table top.

Also released today is the Revenge of the Sith Trading Card Game expansion. This 110-card set introduces all-new Equipment cards that can improve your units and give you even more strategic options in the battle between the Light Side and the Dark Side. Available as a Two Player Starter Pack or 11-Card Booster foils. Click to see the Full Card List.

Miniature Starter packs and Booster sets, each containing 7 random figures, as well as the entire range of Revenge of the Sith TCG are now available here in Australia. Order online today for immediate dispatch by CLICKING HERE.

19th April  2005, MSE-6

11th - 17th April '05

SNAP, CRACKLE and SITH

After hearing about Kellogg's Episode3 Promotion,  reporter TheSweetestThing visited Woolworths and tracked down the following products: 450g Coco Pops (Yoda) With Jedi Mind Game, 530g Rice Bubbles (Anakin) 1 in 3 packs free Lightsaber Spoon, 880g Sultana Bran (Yoda) 1 in 3 packs free Lightsaber Spoon, 500g Sultana Bran (Chewbacca) With Jedi Mind Game, 330g Mini-Wheats [Whole Wheat] (Chewbacca) With Jedi Mind Game, 176g LCMs Rice Bubbles [Choc Chip] (Yoda) With Free Sticker {10 to collect} - 8 Bars, 176g LCMs Corn Flakes [Honey] (Yoda) With free Sticker {10 to collect} - 8 Bars. Thanks for the report...and the diet plan : )

17th April  2005, Darth Hunger

THE CUTTING ROOM FLOOR (April Edition)

See how those clever Germans make a private picture cinema out of a cereal box, Question why Channel 9 only gave the best Star Wars picture 3 out of 5 stars, and discover what two movies beat Star Wars as 'Best Epic Picture' as we sweep up some more newspaper clips from Brant Ravens Cutting Room Floor. Head to our Feature Section for more.

16th April  2005, Brant Raven

CLONE STRIKE MISSIONS IN MINIATURE

Ultimate Missions: Clone Strike provides extended information and scenario suggestions for anyone looking to maximize their Star Wars Miniatures experience. Containing a fold-out poster map and new color terrain tiles to diversify gameplay it is sure to wet your appetite for the third set of miniatures to support the release of Episode III.

The Episode III Miniature Starter Pack and Boosters will be available in Australia from 18 April, but in the mean time check out the Image Gallery and the Complete Set List  at Wizards of the Coast. (includes 3D view and spin)

13th April  2005, WA-7

EPISODE III SOUNDTRACK FOR AUSTRALIA

Sony BMG announced today that the Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith Soundtrack will be available in Australia from 8th May 2005 and it will include a 70-Minute Bonus Collector's DVD. The DVD features 16 brand-new music videos set to selections from all six of John Williams' unforgettable Star Wars film scores.

Each movement is introduced by actor Ian McDiarmid (Senator Palpatine) and features a spectacular montage of images, complete with excerpts of the original dialogue and sound effects, set to Williams' legendary music which has been newly remixed and remastered in 5.1 surround sound. Williams' principal theme from the new score, entitled "Battle of the Heroes," will be featured in a music video created by Lucasfilm. The soundtrack packaging will also include liner notes from George Lucas plus an exclusive fold-out poster.

Here is what the DVD contains:
       Chapter 1: A Long Time Ago "Star Wars Main Title"  (All Episodes)
       Chapter 2: Dark Forces Conspire "Duel Of The Fates" (EP I)
       Chapter 3: A Hero Rises "Anakin's Theme" (EP I)
       Chapter 4: A Fateful Love "Across The Stars" from (EP II)
       Chapter 5: A Hero Falls from Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith (EP III)
       Chapter 6: An Empire Is Forged "The Imperial march" (EP V)
       Chapter 7: A Planet That Is Farthest From "Dune Sea  / Jawas" (EP IV)
       Chapter 8: An Unlikely Alliance "Binary Sunset / Cantina" (EP IV)
       Chapter 9: A Defender Emerges "Princess Leia's Theme" (EP IV)
       Chapter 10: A Daring Rescue "Ben's Death / Tie Fighter Attack" (EP IV)
       Chapter 11: A Jedi Is Trained "Yoda's Theme" (EP V)
       Chapter 12: A Narrow Escape "The Asteroid Field" (EP V)
       Chapter 13: A Bond Unbroken "Luke and Leia" (EP VI)
       Chapter 14: A Sanctuary Moon "The Forest Battle" (EP VI)
       Chapter 15: A Life Redeemed "Light Of The Force" (EP VI)
       Chapter 16: A New Day Dawns "Throne Room / Finale" (EP IV)

12th April  2005, MSE-6

HMMM...IT'S YODA YOU SEEK !?!

"Found him you have", says Master Yoda. CALL UPON YODA has arrived in Australia at Case Fresh and is ready for escape pod dispatch to your door today. This interactive Jedi Master says over 500 phrases, tells stories and plays trivia games. Be warned though as some of his stories contain SPOILERS from the upcoming movie. But we still want one :)

11th April  2005, WA-7

FINAL CALL FOR TICKETS

FINAL REMINDER !!! Get in quick and reserve your seats for our next viewing at La Premiere at Fox Studios, Friday 20 May 2005 8.30pm. Tickets are only available for purchase for a limited time. Our ticket office will be finalizing all reservations no later than 6pm AEST Tuesday 12th April. See our Fox Digital page for more info.

If you miss our box office reservation date then our friends at Star Walking Inc have also arranged Melbourne and Sydney fan screenings:

    Melbourne Sessions: E-mail  starwalking@starwalking.net
                (1) Thursday (Morning) 12.01am 19th May, at Knox Cinemas.
                (2) Thursday 19th May - 9.30pm, at Crown Cinemas.
                (3) Friday 20th May - 9.30pm, at Crown Cinemas.
    Sydney Sessions: Tickets can be purchased at SWI-Sydney.
                (1) Thursday (Morning) 12.01am 19th May, at Hoyts Fox Studios.

11th April  2005, MSE-6

1st - 10th April '05

AUSTRALIAN TOY FAIR 2005 (Day 3)

It is our last day of coverage at the 2005 Australian Toy Fair. Today we finish up with a revisit to Hasbro Australia and their Transformers line, See what Star Wars collectibles are on show around the various domestic distributors and license holders, before executing 'Order 66' and sending a Shuttle to collect our reporter for a safe return home.

10th April  2005, WA-7

AUSTRALIAN TOY FAIR 2005 (Day 2)

The next days coverage of the 2005 Australian Toy Fair is now online. Knowing that "Fans do not live on Star Wars alone", our Melbourne reporters next target is the Superhero lines as distributed by Funtastic. Also included is coverage of the Trilogy for the 21st Century, being Lord of the Rings. But fear not, as Day 3 will return focus to a Galaxy Far far away...

9th April  2005, WA-7

AUSTRALIAN TOY FAIR 2005 (Day 1)

Today was the start of the 2005 Australian Toy Hobby & Nursery Fair, aka 2005 Australian Toy Fair. Time for  the spin doctors, accountants and sales managers for all the toys distributors to put on the best show in town to encourage the retailers to buy up big. It is also a time for the collector to see want we should be saving our money for in the coming year.

To kick of our coverage we did, a tour of the Hasbro Australia Stand. But with so much product on show we will start with our favorite toy line, Star Wars. So, if a picture tells a thousand words here's 48,000 words for you to view.  Like the 500th Vader, Vader unleashed, Battle Pack Assortments, Deluxe Wave 2, Spud Trooper plus more carded figures.

Don't forget to check each day over the weekend as we are sent more updates. Oh, and note...There are some spoiler images .

8th April  2005, WA-7

THE CUTTING ROOM FLOOR (April Edition)

One secret decoder disc? Check. Boy with a Green Saber? Check. Episode V synopsis? Check. Episode I violence rating? Check. Powerlord Card? Check. And how the Japanese Build with bricks? Check. These are the next cluster of cuttings we have retrieved from Brant Ravens Cutting Room Floor. Head to our Feature Section for more.

7th April  2005, Brant Raven

SITH MOVIE CARDS ARE TOPPS

Just like flicking thru the movie in the palm of your hand, the Revenge of the Sith Topps Movie Cards are out now. Featuring 90 Foil-Stamped Cards, detailed information on the various Alliances, Planets and Hardware in the film, Special Behind-the-Scenes and Production Art subsets! These hold appeal for card collectors and kids alike.

Check the official Topps Star Wars site for case ratios of the rare Retail and Hobby insert cards. Then head over to Case Fresh who are now shipping Episode 3 Movies cards either as Single packs, Bulk Buy or Sealed Cases.

7th April  2005, WA-7

'WHO' PUT THE 'REVENGE' INTO SCI-FI?

After this weekends Supernova in Brisbane, hop on the Qantas QF1 to hightail it to England for the Galaxy of Stars convention 16th April 2005. Featuring over 30 Sci-fi guest form both Star Wars and Dr Who it is an event not to be missed. Also appearing will be David Prowse signing copies of his new book "Straight from the Forces Mouth".

For more information on either the Galaxy of Stars event or a preview of David's autobiography, head over to our friends BeJedi.com, the European Fan site.

7th April  2005, WA-7

THE EMPEROR FACTOR

Some luck fans will get a chance to prove their knowledge of the force when ABC's The Einstein Factor, records a Star Wars Episode tomorrow. Former DAS (Doug Anthony All-star) Tim Ferguson will pit his Force Powers against some of the countries most knowledgeable Jedi Masters. The show will air on the ABC at 6.30pm AEST Sunday June12, so set your video recorders well in advance.

6th April  2005, WA-7

EMPIRE GUIDE TO THE SITH

The MUST-HAVE GUIDE to Star Wars Episode III has hit the newsstands in the form of the May edition of EMPIRE movie Magazine. Covered in the seven page; 10 things that must happen in Episode III, Between the Wars of eight major characters, Hyperspace Highlights, interviews with Knoll & McCallum, plus some interesting photos.

Also in this month, the Clone Wars Vol.1 DVD is reviewed, along with Star Wars Republic Commando, and the Classic Scene Feature is from Kuraosawa's "The Hidden Fortress" (one of George's favorite 'reference films'). Unfortunately, we do not get the choice of the two covers offered in the UK edition of the Magazine, but get a Darth Vader Black&Silver themed layout.

6th April  2005, MSE-6

DARKER SIDE OF DARK HORSE

Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith (TPB). The official comics adaptation of the most anticipated of the Star Wars films! This is the film that answers the questions, How did Anakin succumb to the dark side? What happened to Luke and Leia's mother? And why are there no Jedi around in the original Trilogy?

Three young Jedi including Qel Droma, traveled the Sith Homeworld of Korriban intending to finish their Order's "Great Hunt." What they find lurking in their own hearts proves more dangerous than any prey they're after, in this prequel to the popular Knights of the Old Republic video game...plus third chapter of lone Jedi Darca Nyle in Star Wars: Tales #23.

Luke Skywalker and his Jabiim captors have joined forces to battle an army of stormtroopers. But Luke's having a hard time focusing his fledgling Jedi powers as he is haunted by the recent knowledge that his father, Anakin Skywalker, was not a hero to the people of Jabiim, but a traitor! Star Wars: Empire #32 (note: Issue #31 picks up next month)

Star Wars Visionaries TPB is just in time for Episode III, the gifted minds of the Lucasfilm art department and ILM come together to tell their own Star Wars tales in this compilation of short stories. Given free reign to explore any and every aspect of the Star Wars universe, each artist offers a new twist or a deeper view into that galaxy far, far away.

6th April  2005, MSE-6

SUPANOVA BRISBANE 9-10 APRIL

If you are in Brisbane this weekend and love a bit of POP CULTURE then head on down to the RNA Showgrounds for SUPANOVA 2005, 9-10 April. Be it Star Wars, DragonBall Z, Spider-Man, Lord of the Rings, Transformers, Superman, or any other imaginary universes, Supanova 2005 is the place to check these all out, and to meet many of the stars.

Visit the Supanova 2005 site more more information and buy your tickets via Ticketek right now. Don't worry Sydney we get hit with Supanova in October.

5th April  2005, WA-7

SPOILER ARTWORK....

SPOILER ALERT !!!!  Don't click on the image to the left if you wish to remain Episode III spoiler free. This piece of artwork sent to us by Darth X.

5th April  2005, Darth X

SCOUTING FOR TROUBLE

The Imperial Scout Trooper speeder bike chase on Endor left a lasting impression on many fans. This striking soft vinyl model kit from Kotobukiya, which contains easy-to-assemble pre-painted pieces, will add dimension to any Star Wars collection. This item is available for immediate Australia wide tracked shipping from Case Fresh for only $180.

5th April  2005, MSE-6

REVELL IN THE STAR WARS EXPERIENCE

The crew over at StarshipModeler have some very happy news for those fans of Star Wars model kits. Looks like 2005 will see the reissue of some Trilogy & Saga kits. Plus they also have a link to German site, Phoxim's Sci-fi, which host images of several glue & snap-fit Episode III kits due for release mid-year. Time to brush up on those painting skills.

5th April  2005, MSE-6

INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE...

Matt at ACTION-FIGURE sent us a very interesting piece of info. At the Memorabilia Show, EU's largest collector event. In a Hasbro UK  event questionnaire, people where asked "Where on the internet did they get their Star Wars news?" Answers: StarWars.com, Hasbro.StarWars.com, Rebelscum, Galactic Hunter, SSG, Action-Figure and Mousedroid.com.

Matt also let us know that Action-Figure also has posted 3 Midnight Madness reports form across three Continents. Click-on-by to see how the rest of the world welcomed in the new toys for Episode III at TRU openings.

4th April  2005, MSE-6

FAN FRIENDLY FILM EVENTS

Did you miss out on tickets to our Midnight Episode III event? Then get in quick and reserve your seats for our next viewing at La Premiere at Fox Studios, Friday 20 May 2005 8.30pm. Tickets are only available for purchase for a limited time with our ticket office finalizing all reservations no later than 8pm Tuesday 12th April. See our Fox Digital page for more info.

Plus our friends at Star Walking Inc have arranged MEL/SYD screenings:

                Melbourne Sessions: E-mail  starwalking@starwalking.net
                (1) Thursday (Morning) 12.01am 19th May, at Knox Cinemas.
                (2) Thursday 19th May - 9.30pm, at Crown Cinemas.
                (3) Friday 20th May - 9.30pm, at Crown Cinemas.

                Sydney Sessions: Tickets can be purchased at SWI-Sydney.
                (1) Thursday (Morning) 12.01am 19th May, at Hoyts Fox Studios.

3rd April  2005, MSE-6

TRU, ALL DRESSED UP...

It's 12.01am on Saturday 2 April. It's 32km to the nearest Toys R Us, you're all dressed up and on a mission from the Emperor himself. So what are you going to do??? Why, you head down to a Midnight Madness Sale. Check out the images of the Empire invading TRU at Moore Park NSW yesterday morning. <Imperials> <Captive> <Darth Geoffrey>

3rd April  2005, MSE-6

MIDNIGHT CINEMAS SOLD OUT....

The last of tickets to our Special Midnight Screening Event at Macquarie Centre Gold Class & Silverscreen cinemas are now SOLD OUT. You would be as mad as a Wookiee with fleas to miss our next Episode III Event so check back on Sunday when we open up  ticket sales for La Premiere at Fox Studios for Friday 20 May 2005 8.30pm session.

2nd April  2005, MSE-6

MORE AUSTRALIAN EXCLUSIVE RELEASES...

Yet another milestone has been reached in our countdown to Episode III. With under 50 days left until the movie hits the big screens on 19 May the 'First Wave' of merchandise has been release nation wide in retail stores and online. Everything from books to toys, stationery to food items, clothing to games. You name it & Star Wars will be on it.

If you are looking for the Battle Arenas of which there are three to collect (Sideous vs Mace, Bodyguard vs Obi-wan, and Dooku vs Anakin) these sets are Kmart exclusive items. Similarly with the Large vehicles Case Fresh have the Republic Gunship and  Kmart the ARC-170 fighter. Unfortunately the ARC-170 will only be released in early May.

In stock now at Case Fresh are the Episode III Medium size vehicles, Tri-droid Fighter, Grievous Wheel Bike, & Obi-wan's Jedi Starfighter.

2nd April  2005, WA-7